Saturday, November 29, 2008

The Kootenay ICE scored 5 3rd period goals, 2 into an empty net, for a 6-3 win in Everett. Dustin Sylvester tied a Franchise Record with 3 goals and 4 points in 1 period. It's Sylvester's 2nd career hat-trick and also registered a career high 5 point game. Sylvester scored his league high 6th short handed goal. Sylvester now has points in 9 straight games. Andrew Bailey extended his goals streak to 6 games and point streak to 9 games. Michael Stickland had the game winner and Max Reinhart had the other goal. Nathan Lieuwen made a career high 33 saves for his 5th straight win.

The Kootenay ICE are in Everett to play the Silvertips for the 1st and only time this season. In their only meeting last year the ICE won 8-2. The last time they played in Everett was December 5 2006 and the Silvertips won 2-0.Andrew Bailey has goals in 5 straight games (the longest in the WHL this season was 6) and has points in 8 straight. (7g 7a = 14pts).Dustin Sylvester also has an 8 game point streak (6g 9a = 15 points).Everett has 3 players in the top 6 rookie scoring. They are lead in scoring by 17-year-old rookie Kellan Tochkin who didn't play in the league last year after being the 13th overall pick in the 2006 Bantam Draft. Kyle Beach is a 1st round pick of Chicago and defenseman Taylor Ellington is a 2nd round pick of Vancouver.

The ICE winning streak was halted at 5 games with a 4-1 loss in Seattle. Andrew Bailey extended his goal streak to 5 games and his point streak to 8 games with his 12th goal of the year. Dustin Sylvester assisted on the goal to extend his point streak to 8 games.The ICE regular season career record at Key Arena is 11-2-1. Saturday night the ICE will play in Everett.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

ICE forward Dustin Sylvester was supposed to play in 1 of the 2 games but originally was slated to play in Swift Current. Since he was not on the roster it's should mean he will play tonight in Prince Albert. Defenseman John Negrin was scheduled to play in both games but is battling the flu and won't play in Prince Albert.

Kootenay ICE reminds all hockey fans of the various gift options that they have available for the holiday season.An adult ticket voucher can be purchased at Cranbrook Save On Foods for only $14.00 or by redeeming 8,000 Save On More points. This voucher can be exchanged for any 2008-2009 Regular Season Home Game.Family Paks are still on sale for only $45.00. For this low price you receive two adult tickets, two youth or student tickets, a parking voucher, a program voucher and a voucher for two Happy Meals from McDonalds. Family Paks are applicable for all Sunday to Thursday games during the regular season excluding Wednesday, December 31st and are available at the ICE Office and McDonald’s in Cranbrook.For the ultimate ICE fan, try a Super Six Flex Pak. Flex Paks include six vouchers redeemable for any remaining 2008-2009 regular season home game. Flex Paks are $99.00 for adult, $75.00 for senior / student and $51.00 for youth.$15.00 and UnderSave On More Adult Ticket Vouchers ($14.00)Available exclusively at Cranbrook Save On Foods$45.00 and UnderKootenay ICE Family Pak ($45.00)Available at ICE Office, McDonald’s in Cranbrook and Kootenay Collectibles$100 and UnderSuper Six Flex Paks ($51.00, $75.00, $99.00)Available at the ICE Office and Kootenay Collectibles

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

The Kootenay ICE will play game #4 of 8 straight on the road Friday as they visit the Seattle Thunderbirds. It’s the first and only meeting of the year. Over the last 6 years the ICE have won 10 straight regular season games against Seattle. Dustin Sylvester and John Negrin are expected to arrive in time to join the ICE after representing the WHL against Russia.ICE have won 5 in a row including 3 straight road wins. Seattle is 3 games below .500 but have played only 6 of their 26 games at home.Sylvester and Andrew Bailey have 7 game point streaks while Ian Barteaux has a 5 game point streak. For the 1st time since December 4th 2006 the ICE will play against the Thunderbirds in Seattle. The ICE won that game 3-2 as Curtis Billsten scored the game winner.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

1. I think even though there are people wanting to get rid of the WHL vs Russia series, the players still look forward to playing. I mean they're really looking forward to suiting up against the Russians. It won't be a highlight of their careers but it's something they'll talk about for a long time.2. I think the more poeple complain about there being no Broncos or Raiders in the games being played in Swift Current and Prince Albert the more the powers at be will not make any roster changes. If you are being told you are doing something wrong the first reaction is to defend your decision. But I must say it was pretty electric at the Rec-Plex last year everytime John Negrin, Dustin Sylvester or Andrew Bailey had a shift.3. I think it's going to be a great experience for the 14 ICE players who haven't been on the US road trip. The game in Seattle will be the last for the ICE at the Key Arena which ahs the loudest sound system in the WHL. Everett has the roudiest fans. Portland's ice surface is about 15 feet short of the regulation 200 feet and it's all taken away in the neutral zone. Tri City has another fast exciting team with graet goaltending. They already know the challenges of playing in Spokane.4. I think if you are looking for a good read check out Jason Peters "Hero Of The Underground". It's a true story on a former NFL player who got into huge drug problems. Taking heroin, cocaine problems and pain killers and living to tell about it. It's a very disturbing story.5. I think an even better read is "Boys Will Be Boys: The Glory Days and Party Nights of the Dallas Cowboys Dynasty". It's a real page turner and will make you look at the NFL in a new way.6. I think the Grey Cup was a disappointing game to watch. Both teams failed to play the exciting CFL style of play with long passes and exciting offensive plays. TSN HD doesn't look as good as ESPN HD. 7. I think TSN is making a lot of sports fans mad in Western Canada. Roberto Luongo has a major injury and they fail to do any investigating but continue to chase Mats Sundin everyday and makes it one of their top stories. Friday night the top story was Toronto Raptor highlights. Not the NHL and not even Grey Cup coverage. With so many sports networks showing the same highlights it's the extra coverage that fans are missing.8. I think it's going to be tough to be in the USA next week and searching for hockey highlights every night. ESPN does amazing coverage of the NFL and that's sure to be the focus all weekend.9. I think it's Xmas party season. Make sure you check with your boss to make sure they set up free cab service to get you home. As they say is radio "we'd rather talk to you than about you."10. I think I may have to rent every season of 24. I checked out a few minutes of season 7 on the weekend and was hooked after only 15 minutes.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

The Kootenay ICE have tied a season high 5 game winning streak after a 4-1 win in Moose Jaw. Andrew Bailey scored 2 powerplay goals, Je Antilla had the game winner and Michael Stickland aded insurance. Thomas Heemskerk made 26 saves for the win. Bialey extended his point streak to 7 games and now leads the team with 5 PPG. Dustin Sylvester had 2 assists to extend his point streak to 7 games. Ian Barteaux had 2 assists to extend his point streak to 5 games.Sylvester will play for Team WHL on Wednesday while John Negrin will play on Wednesday & Thursday for Team WHL.Next ICE game is Friday in Seattle.

Friday, November 21, 2008

ICE forward Max Reinhart had a Gordie Howe hat-trick in a 7-6 overtime shotout win in Brandon. Reinhart scored on a 3rd period penalty shot and joined Dustin Sylvester in scoring goals in the shootout to win 2-0. Sylvester tied a career high with a 4 point game (2g 2a). Sylvester has a 6 game point streak and has 12 points during the span (6g 6a). Andrew Bailey extended his point streak to 6 games (4g 7a) with 1 goal and 1 assist. Tyler Vanscourt scored his 1st career goal and joined Reinhart in their 1st career fighting majors. Kevin King extednded his point streak to 4 games (4 g 2 a) with a goal and now has goals in 3 straight games. Defenseman Ian Barteaux also has a 4 game point streak. (1 g 3). After losing their 1st 3 shootouts the ICE have won 4 in a row. The ICE have a chance to tie a season high 5 game winning streak Saturday in Moose Jaw.

The Kootenay ICE are in Brandon to play the Wheat Kings for the 1st time this season.ICE have won 3 in a row and are coming off a win in Ssakatoon.Wheat Kings are playing their 7th straight home game and have gone 3-3-0-0 including a win over Spokane in their last outing.Andrew Bailey has 7 points in his last 3 games and has 9 points during a 5 game point streak.Dustin Sylvester has a 5 game point streak with 8 points during the span.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Kootenay ICE Captain Andrew Bailey had 2 goals and 1 assist, plus the game winning goals, in a 4-3 win in Saskatoon. Dustin Sylvester had 1 goal and 1 assist while Kevin King had the other goal. Bailey & Sylvester each had short-handed goals. The ICE have 8 SHG this season and Sylvester leads the WHL with 5. The ICE allowed a season high 34 shots on goal as Nathan Lieuwen earned his 3rd straight win with 31 saves. Road trip continues in Brandon on Friday.

The Kootenay ICE will play the 1st of 8 straight road games tonight in Saskatoon. In their previous meeting the ICE led 4-2 with 2 minutes left only to lose 5-4 in overtime.Since starting the season 1-4, the Blades have since gone 16-2-1. They are on an 11-game home stand and have won the last 5 games.The hot topic is "why the low attendance". The Blades are averaging 4,160. Last year in a non-playof season they averaged 4,300.Steele Boomer is still out with a concussion. Nathan Lieuwen should get the start in net.

Monday, November 17, 2008

1. I think there hasn't been one complaint about how much fun it is to watch this years' Kootenay ICE. Especially when they worked as hard and as committed they were on the weekend. They may be a team is transition but we can see the benefits of the growing pains already.2. I think other than Calgary the East Conference is a even battle. Anyone can beat anyone else an any given night.3. I think it's no coincidence that the 3 teams that have the best records in the WHL have the best defensemen core. Vancouver, Calgary and Saskatoon each have an amazing top 4 and a very deep top 6. It worked for the NHL's Detroit Red Wings last year.4. I think Portland, who are 6-3-0 since the coaching change, are not out of the playoff race in the West. They are 6 points out of the last playoff spot. They were 2-12-0 before the change.5. I think next week will be a busy one for John Negrin who will play 2 games against Russia on Wednesday & Thursday, then will fly to Seattle in time for the ICE game on the Friday and then also play Saturday in Everett. Dustin Sylvester will be with hi the whole time but will play in 1 game against Russia.6. I think everyone who helped make the tail-gate party a success should be proud of themselves. It takes a lot of planning and work just to make sure the 2 hours go smoothly.7. I think the point system should be 4 points for a regulation win, 3 points for an overtime win and 2 points for a shootout win. The loser should get 1 point for an overtime or shootout loss. There has been some talk about a 3-2-1 but I like 4-3-2-1. Can you imagine a tie game with 5 minutes left knowing you could gain 4 points with a win in regulation. Most nights both teams will be going harder for a win.8. I think looking at the Russian roster for the games against the CHL do not have a lot of their best players. If this format has run it's course then it may be time to go back to WHL All-Star Games. It used to be a skills competition one night followed by a game the next night.9. I think in the NFL Tennessee will get to 14-0. They're 10-0 with NY Jets, Detroit, Cleveland & Houston in the next 4 weeks. They end the season with Pittsburgh & Indianapolis. 10. I think in the NHL Ottawa is the biggest disappointment. They're trying hard to make a trade but I don't believe the Spezza rumours.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Cranbrook, BC – Kootenay ICE forward Dustin Sylvester had 2 goals and 1 assist while goalie Nathan Lieuwen made 13 saves for his 2nd shutout in a 5-0 win over the Edmonton Oil Kings in WHL action on Saturday night.

Edmonton’s Clay Cumiskey had a penalty shot and was stopped by Nathan Lieuwen who made a blocker save. It was the 1st penalty shot in Lieuwen’s career.24 seconds later Dustin Sylvester would score the 1st goal of the game as he was close to being on a breakaway, Oil Kings goalie came out of his net to play the puck but his clearing attempt was blocked by Sylvester who then had an open net.Sylvester made it 2-0 as he busted through 2 defenseman and crashed the net for a chip in through the legs. Andrew Bailey made it 3-0 with a waist high deflection off a Sylvester shot.Kevin King would score 2 power-play goals on 2 rebounds near the crease to make the score 5-0 after 2 periods.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Lethbridge opened the scoring as Dwight Kings’ attempted pass was blocked and returned to him and he snapped a shot through the goalies’ legs.The ICE tied the game 1-1 on a 5-on-3 power-play as Michael Stickland was open in the slot and fired a wrist shot high on the stickside.23 seconds later the ICE scored on another power-play as defenseman Ian Barteaux’s long slap shot went through the goalies’ legs.ICE had a 3-1 lead as Tylan Stephens scored on a backhand after receiving a pass from Andrew Bailey.Lethbridge made it 3-2 on a 5-on-3 powerplay as Dwight King scored his 2nd of the game with a snap shot that went in off the goalies’ blocker.The ICE added an empty netter as Dustin Sylvester scored his 8th of the season

Thursday, November 13, 2008

The Canada West Universities Athletic Association and the Western Hockey League are pleased to announce that forward STEVEN DaSILVA of the University of Saskatchewan Huskies has been named the Canada West Hockey - HUSKY WHL Graduate of the Month for October 2008.DaSILVA, a 21-year-old freshman forward from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, becomes the first winner of the award in 2008-09. The former member of the Kootenay Ice made quite an impression in his first month of play in Canadian Interuniversity Sport hockey, scoring at more than a point-per-game pace with 6-14-20 in 11 games. DaSILVA’s offensive production helped the Huskies to a 6-4-1 record and a number three ranking in the CIS Top Ten.The 6’0”, 189 pound Arts & Science student received 29 points and first five place votes to finish eight points in front of Dustin Moore of the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns.

The Kootenay ICE will host Lethbridge Friday night at the Rec-Plex. It's the 3rd meeting of the year, back in September Lethbridge won 4-3 in a shootout and 1-0.The ICE haven't played since last Friday and have lost a season low 3-games in a row in regulation. Saturday they host Edmonton and then will play the next 8 on the road.Lethbridge is playing their 7th road game in a row. Hurricanes have lost 5 in a row and have 1 win in their last 8 games.Lethbridge is without 20-year-old defenseman Ben Wright due to a minor knee injury.

SAPUTO NIGHT: When the ICE host the LETHBRIDGE HURRICANES on Friday, November 14 it will be SAPUTO NIGHT…Fans it attendance will have the chance to take part in a cheese race to win prizes from SAPUTO and SAVE ON FOODS.

PACIFIC COASTAL NIGHT: On Saturday, November 15 following the TAILGATE PARTY, it will be PACIFIC COASTAL NIGHT…Fans in attendance will be able to learn more about PACIFIC COASTAL and have the opportunity to win a great prize.

TAILGATE PARTY: On Saturday, November 15 when the ICE host the EDMONTON OIL KINGS there will be a TAILGATE PARTY hosted by the KOOTENAY ICE and the CHAMPIONS OF THE ICE…From 5:00 – 7:00 pm in the CRANBROOK RECPLEX parking lot there will be food, drinks, prizes and music for the whole family and if the temperature drops there will be heaters to keep everyone warm.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

1. I think the Kootenay ICE, at 1 game above .500, are right where they expected to be at this time of the season. They have the 2nd youngest team in the league and probably play their 16 & 17 year olds in more crucial situations than any other team. They have the youngest goalie tandem. They lost 4 players from their #1 power-play unit. Plus they had the busiest and toughest schedule to start the season.2. I think Brandon, 5th place in East, and Lethbridge, T-5th in the Central, are not where they expected to be at this time of the season. Look for both teams to make a turn for the better over the next 5-6 weeks.3. I think Vancouver with 0 regulation losses are not where anyone expected them to be at this time of the season. It's usually this time of the year the Giants get a couple of top quality players to leave the BCHL and play in the WHL. If it happens again they may be primed for another long run.4. I think Giants goalie Tyson Sexsmith setting the WHL career record with his 22nd shutout came with an amazing amount of quiet fanfare. Sure he played for some great teams and maybe had some easy nights but it still takes a perfect game to get a shutout. By the end of the year he could have 30 career shutouts and a record that may never be broken.5. I think the league should have a broadcaster of the year award and name it after the Tigers' Bob Ridley. There is no one that I rely on more for advice than Bob. If the Hockey Hall of Fame can induct a broadcaster annually then the WHL at the very least can recognize 1 person a year.6. I think when the WHL plays Russia in Swift Current and Prince Albert this month, they should find a way to get a local player on the roster. As of now there is no Bronco or Raider on the roster.7. I think the ICE playing 8 road games in row is not a franchise record. Remember they started the 00-01 season with 10 straight on the road and had a 8-1-0-1 record. 8. I think it was strange to see Moose Jaw and Regina make a signifigant trade. Goalie Jeff Bosch for forward Neal Prokop was announced on Monday. They are 2 major rivals and usually avoid exchanging players.9. I think even tough the NFL Titans haven't lost a game the NY Giants, with 1 loss, are the best team. Remember the long winning streak they had last year on the way to winning a Super Bowl.10. I think ... is not punctuation. When did that start?

Monday, November 10, 2008

Mr. Mike’s Steakhouse & Bar along with the Kootenay ICE are pleased to announce that over $1500 was raised for the United Way during the 2008 Tip the ICE Night held Sunday night.Several players including Dustin Sylvester waited on tables Sunday with all the donations they received in serving and selling bracelets going to the local United Way.The ICE, Mr. Mike’s and the United Way would like to thank everyone who came down and attended the event making it a success. Pictures from the event can be found at www.kootenayice.net under the Photos tab.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Calgary opened the scoring as MacKenzie Royer scored on a long snap shot that beat the goalie on the stick side. Hitmen made it 2-0 on a power-play as Bostjan Golicic found a wide open Paul Postma near the net for a tap-in goal.ICE made it 2-1 on a 3-on-1 break as Dustin Sylvester fed Max Reinhart crashing the crease and banged in the goal.Hitmen made it 3-1 as Brendan Rowinski redirected a pass in the crease from Tyler Fiddler.Rowinski added a power-play goal as he chipped in a back hand from close to the net.ICE changed goalies as Nathan Lieuwen replaced Thomas Heemskerk.Calgary scored their 3rd power-play goal of the night on a 5-on-3 advantage as Kyle Bortis had an open net from the bottom of the right circle.ICE made it 5-2 as Drew Czerwonka scored on a power-play.

The Kootenay ICE and Calgary Hitmen will meet for the 4th time this season tonight at the Rec-Plex. The home team has won the previous 3 meetings including a 6-2 Hitmen win on Monday.Tyler Vanscourt (knee) is questionable for the game. Since the ICE don't play again until next Friday he may get another day off to recover. Drew Czerwonka should return after missing 5 games to a concussion. He has missed 12 games this season, 7 game suspension and 5 games to the concussion. In between he hasn't missed a game. Tonight will be Kevin King's 150th career game.

Mr. Mike’s Steakhouse & Bar will be hosting the 1st annual Tip the ICE Night on Sunday, November 9th.Members of the Kootenay ICE will be turning in their sticks and skates for mugs, plates and cutlery to help raise money for the United Way of Cranbrook.All tips received by the players and coaches that will be working from 5:00 – 8:00 pm will be donated to the United Way.Waiting tables will be veterans Andrew Bailey, Ian Barteaux, Eric Frere, Kevin King, John Negrin, Dustin Sylvester and Michael Stickland.In addition to waiting on tables, Tylan Stephens will be the evenings maitre d’ and coaches Mark Holick and Kris Knoblauch will be serving as doormen.Seating for the evening at Mr. Mike’s will be a first come, first serve based. For more information about tables please contact Mr. Mike’s at 250-417-2542.

On Saturday, November 15 when the ICE host the EDMONTON OIL KINGS there will be a TAILGATE PARTY hosted by the KOOTENAY ICE and the CHAMPIONS OF THE ICE…From 5:00 – 7:00 pm in the CRANBROOK RECPLEX parking lot there will be food, drinks, prizes and music for the whole family and if the temperature drops there will be heaters to keep everyone warm.There will have prizes, hot dogs, drinks, music, lights and heaters.The Champions of the ICE are cooking and serving it up, Pepsi is donating drinks, Finnegan's on Ice is serving the liquor, Old Dutch is donating the chips. Shivers will be there and one or two players will stop by.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

The ICE played their 5th game in 7 nights and lost 6-2 in Calgary. Tylan Stephens, team leading 8th, and Kevin King with his 7th were the goal scorers. 4 of the 5 games were on the road and the ICE lost 4-0 in Edmonton and 5-1 in Spokane. The wins were 3-2 in Red Deer and 4-2 at home against Medicine Hat. The ICE gave up the 1st goal in 4 of the 5 games and trailed in all 5 games. Friday they host Calgary.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

The Kootenay ICE will travel to Calgary Monday to play the 1st place Hitmen. For the ICE it'll be their 5th game in 7 nights and are coming off a 5-1 loss to Spokane on Saturday. The Hitmen beat Medicine Hat 2-1 Sunday afternoon. The clubs will meet again Friday at the Rec-Plex.It's the 3rd meeting of the season. The home teams won the previous meetings back in September. The ICE are 4 points behind Calgary for 1st place in the Central Division with the Hitmen having 3 games in hand.Calgary has the leagues' best home winning percentage with 11 wins in 12 games at the Saddledome.

Chiefs forward Levko Koper scored 3 goals in a 5-1 win over the Kootenay ICE. The lone ICE goal came on the power-play from Tylan Stephens. The score was not indicative of the play as the ICE played a strong game but the Chiefs scored 2 nice power-play goals and also got a couple of generous bounces around the crease. The ICE had another one of those games where they failed to capitilize on their chances. Steele Boomer was stopped on a penalty shot late in the 1st period.Monday the ICE visit Calgary and then will host the Hitmen on Friday.